Suburb spotlight: Birkenhead
Just a short drive from the city, with great transport links, scenic bush and good schools, the coastal suburb of Birkenhead is a popular spot for tenants and investors, offering very low vacancy rates, high yields and strong capital gains.
Birkenhead Property Manager Carol Robinson said that Birkenhead has become a popular district to find rental accommodation, due to it’s proximity to the city, but without the city prices.
With the advantage of a variety of housing options - villas, modern and family homes, and apartments - it covers a wide range of tenant requirements.
Good schools and regular bus services, with the added advantage of the ferry makes this area a desirable place to be, with great local cafes, restaurants and scenic walks also in the area.
Birkenhead compared to the rest of Auckland
- Gross rental yield: Birkenhead 3.71% and Auckland 3.54%
- Average sale price (three bedroom): Birkenhead $735,166, and Auckland $705,236
- Average weekly rent (three bedroom): Birkenhead $524 and Auckland $480
Compare Birkenhead to other Auckland suburbs - see a breakdown of Auckland suburbs.
Source: Barfoot and Thompson average tenancies as at 1 February 2015 and Barfoot & Thompson average sales over the last six months to beginning February 2015 for three bedroom properties in Auckland. Yield calculated using average sale price and average rental per week.
About Birkenhead
Located four kilometres northwest of the city centre, just a few minutes drive over the Auckland harbour bridge, and a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Birkenhead is found on Auckland's North Shore.
The suburb includes the leafy Birkenhead Point, Chelsea Bay and Little Shoal Bay, with many properties in these areas featuring stunning views of the harbour, bridge, city and iconic Chelsea Sugar Refinery - New Zealand’s only active sugar works.
Once the site of ancient Kauri forests, Birkenhead retains the largest green stand of native bush on the Shore, second only to Titirangi in the greater Auckland area.
Local parks, bush walks and beaches provide residents with plenty of options on the weekend.
The historic village features everything shoppers need, with an excellent selection of cafes, restaurants and bars.
Popular with families, there are several well-regarded pre-schools, primary and secondary schools on offer.
For more information about the local market or for a rental appraisal, contact the property management team at Birkenhead.
Tips from a Birkenhead investor
Experienced residential property investor Don Grayson owns two 2-bedroom flats in Birkenhead, the first of which he purchased in 1974, as well as two factories.
What are the key things you look for when investing in property?
Position/location, long term holding potential - you never make good money on short term profit.
Words of wisdom
There are always going to be cycles. Don’t sell when the going gets hard. What is dear today is cheap tomorrow.